DISCLAIMER: I do not own Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Dancing with the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction.

For a better visual of dance scenes I will be posting websites where you can view the dance routines which appeared on the above shows. For those of you who are not YouTube friendly, I will try also to explain the routines as well. I will post them as they align with story.

Hope you enjoy!

Dancing with the Stars

By

Ameridess

Chapter 1: Contest?!

Hercules and Iolaus awakened shortly after first light and headed south. They had just come from Kroton where they came up against Glaukos, another one of Hera's priests trying to rally soldiers in his attempts to appease his queen. Our heroes of course prevailed and Hera disposed of the priest after his failure. There had been no rest for the two friends lately, just one life-threatening adventure after another. Iolaus was getting tired and wanted to take a vacation from it for awhile, but for once he would like Hercules to do the same. It was so hard to convince him to take time off. He knew he needed it and wanted it, but was always too reluctant to do so, too convinced he would be doing someone in need some great disservice. It's true there would always be people in need, but what good is even the son of Zeus when he's tired and emotionally spent?

He needs a break. Maybe I can convince him this time. He has to know that even he himself can't keep up this pace of things. I'll talk to him, Iolaus thought.

"Herc, you need to live a little."

"I think I live enough for most people."

"Oh, you know what I mean. We have plenty of adventures, saving people and what not, but you need to stop and enjoy the other things life has to offer. Enjoy the fruits of our labors. You know, that stuff."

"What do you mean I'm not enjoying life?"

"You just need to relax more. Take time off. Do something fun. Find a new hobby, a pastime…..a woman."

"This is nice coming from you," said Hercules playful and a little defensive. "You have so many notches on your belt I'm surprised your pants stay up."

"Oh come on, Herc. You know you've been a little grumpy lately. I just think some female companionship might cheer you up a bit."

Hercules sighed. Iolaus was right. He had been in a solemn mood lately. But he wasn't like Iolaus. He couldn't just find any pretty girl to turn his mood around. It had to be the right girl, someone special. Iolaus could see the thought process on Hercules' face.

"It's not that easy Iolaus. I don't just fall for anyone. How you do it I will never know?"

"So your picky, no big deal."

"I'm not picky, Iolaus. I just want to make sure that it's right. That it's something more than just some fling or one night stand."

"Hmmm, I see," said Iolaus knowing full well what and who his friend's apprehension was about. "Maybe it would be better if you told me what you're looking for."

"I guess, I dunno," said Hercules reluctantly.

"Of course she would need to be incredibly beautiful, strong, stubborn like you, brave, caring,…….. a warrior princess."

Hercules stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide, looking at his friend. He tried to start a few sentences but couldn't.

"What? You thought you were hiding it? You didn't think I would catch on when you get all dreamy-eyed at the sound of her name? Come on, admit it. You love her and you miss her."

Hercules was silent for a moment longer taking in all his friend had said. He was right. He did miss her. It had been so long since he'd seen her. They both had been so busy fighting for the greater good that they rarely crossed paths, and when they did trouble quickly followed keeping them from enjoying their time together. If only they could meet under pleasant circumstances. Spend some quality time getting to know each other, falling in love all over again.

That's what I want more than anything, he admitted to himself for the first time in a long time.

"You're right, Iolaus. I do miss her. I do love her. But you know how things usually happen between us. We find each other and suddenly there's a war to stop, people to save, gods to fend off. I just wish we could meet under happier circumstances."

"I know, Herc. Who knows? Maybe that day will come sooner than you expect."

"That would be nice for a change. Speaking of women? Wasn't there something between you and Gabrielle?"

It was Iolaus' turn to be quiet. Hercules smiled a knowing smile and the hunter grew red, stuttered and tried to change the subject. He knew there was something between the two sidekicks, but it would take the two awhile to admit it to each other.

The midday sun beamed down on the two friends as they headed down the road. Iolaus stomach started to rumble. He mentioned food to Hercules and inquired how far the next town was.

"Actually, we're not too far from Rhumba."

"Isn't that where you won that dance contest?"

"Yeah, the tavern food is pretty good there. Besides, we could take a break there as you talked about earlier. I know some friends we might be able to stay with a night or two."

"I still can't believe you were in a dance contest. I wish I could've been there for that one."

"It's weird. It almost feels like you were in a way."

An hour or so later they approached the town. To their surprise the city was swamped with people hurrying around. They were hanging decorations, building stages, and practicing dance lessons.

"I thought you said the town was quiet," said Iolaus noting the hustle and bustle, not to mention the fifty piece band practicing on the far end of the courtyard.

"It's usually only like this during the Panathenea, the annual dance contest, but that was last season," Hercules said just as surprised as his friend.

The pair made their way through the town towards the tavern when they heard a familiar voice.

"Hercules! Iolaus!"

The two just looked at each other and groaned. They turned around to find a shorter and fairly plump gray haired man dressed in a boisterous purple and grey plaid toga, wearing a huge smile on his face.

"Salmoneus," Hercules said as he grasped forearms with the man. "What brings you here?"

"You, actually. I was just about to send word for you. I'm working on a new project that you would be perfect for."

"Oh, here we go again. What scheme did you come up with this time?" said Iolaus crossing his arms with an annoyed look.

"Iolaus. I'm hurt," he said acting accordingly. "I'm simply in this to help the children. I'm organizing the first Celebrity dance contest in Rhumba. I call it 'Dancing with the Stars', and who else would be perfect for the contest but Hercules! The proceeds are going to help the orphanage here and the neighboring towns."

"Uh-huh, and what are you getting out of this," Iolaus inquired.

"Merely, a sense of pride, accomplishment, the knowledge that I'm helping my fellow man, and my new line of celebrity merchandise. I've got this great idea for signs and shirts people can wear to support their favorite celeb."

"Salmoneus", Hercules gave him a stern look.

"Come on Herc, it'll be fun. You'll dance a few steps, shake a few hands, and think of all of those poor children."

"Fine, I'll do it." Hercules surrendered.

"Great! Knew I could count on ya big guy," Salmoneus said as he left.

"How does this always happen?" Hercules said to Iolaus once their colorful friend was out of sight.

"Well Herc, you're just too nice a guy. Look at it this way, you have the time off we were talking about and I am in a city full of dancing girls," the last part he said dreamily. "Who knows, you might meet a nice girl here too? What's the worst that could happen?"

"When Salmoneus is around, you never know."

After grabbing a bite to eat at the tavern they decided to pay a visit to Hercules' former dance partner Althea. She was happy to see them and so was her father. They greeted the two heroes and caught up on each other's lives over dinner. Althea was thrilled when Hercules asked her to be his dance partner again.

"So do you two have a place to stay? We'd be happy to put you up here until the contest is over," Althea said.

"Thanks for the offer, but Salmoneus insisted that we stay at the inn with the other contestants," said Hercules.

"Well then, I'm sure you'll like the rooms there. They just remodeled the place and I've heard the new beds are really comfortable. Just be sure to let us know if you need anything else."

"Sure," Iolaus said looking at the window. "Well it's getting late. We should head back Herc."

"Yeah, it was nice catching up with you and I'll see you later."

Althea waved goodbye as the two men headed back into town towards the inn. The villagers were finally winding down from their busy day of preparations. Iolaus was happy to learn that Salmoneus had booked a room for each of them.

"Good. I'll be able to escape your snoring," Iolaus teased.

"I do not snore," said Hercules a little defensive. "You just want a private space for entertaining those dancing girls you keep talking about."

"Yea, but can you blame me? We never have rooms to ourselves. It'll be nice to relax, wake up when I want to and just have some quiet time."

"Yea, cause I'm the talkative one."

Iolaus chuckled and said goodnight. Hercules soon followed after being cornered by Salmoneus about more of his merchandising plans.

This certainly will be an interesting couple of weeks, Hercules thought to himself that night as he lie in bed. His sleep came quickly as visions of a beautiful blue-eyed dark-haired woman floated in and out of his dreams.